The Juan de Fuca
Rural Publication Society
Mission Statement
A group of Juan de Fuca residents formed a non-profit society to launch
a news and advertising publication for the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area.
We provide a forum for our rural communities to share news, exchange
ideas and develop a sense of community. At the same time the
publication gives businesses within and outside the electoral area an
opportunity to promote their products and services and reach potential
customers. We also hope to make current information about the region
and its services available to the many tourists who visit the area each
year. Our goal is to protect, preserve and enhance rural life.
The publication will rely on community members to share their interests
and points of view through articles, correspondence and photographs.
We welcome articles and letters reflecting the very diverse interests
of our member communities and expressing all points of view. The
editorial committee reserves the right to edit for brevity, accuracy, clarity
and taste. Though every reasonable precaution will be made to verify
the accuracy of material submitted, the editorial committee assumes no
responsibility for the content of published articles. The responsibility is
that of the writers. References and descriptions of products or services
are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or
implied.
We’re online! www.ruralobserver.com
If you wish to submit an article for an upcoming issue of the Rural
Observer, please email it to:

BECOME A MEMBER or RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
Celebrate our rural community lifestyle by helping us share
stories and information about our region. Become a member
of the Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society today. Our fee
structure is as follows - you may renew/join at the basic level
of $10, become a “Friend” of the Rural Observer for $25, a
“Supporter” for $50, or a “Lifetime Member” for only $100.
We recommend the lifetime membership - you won’t need to
remember to renew each year! The Rural Observer needs your
support to keep it strong, viable and independent. Please make
out cheques to the Juan de Fuca Rural Publication Society and
mail to: J.Roots, 6790 East Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC, V9Z 1A6

Nature thrills me. This wild coast. The
intensity of the mountains. Lush forest.
My garden. When I am amidst nature’s
pulse, I feel so much: everything from
calm and curious to electrified & inspired.
Chances are you resonate at least a
little with my love-on for nature, given
the publication you are holding, and your
likelihood of appreciating all things “rural”.
Matthew Fox talks about the dichotomy
that exists in us between the force
for contraction and the force for expansion. He encourages us to
acknowledge the existence of both, and then find deliberate ways to
align with the force for expansion, which he calls “biophelia”. He asks:
“How do we bring biophilia back? How do we help people cut through
cynicism and despair?”
Without a doubt, one way is to spend time in nature in a mindful and
present way. Many of us already innately understand the connection
between nature and our mental and physical well-being. Recent
studies in Japan have proven the science behind this connection;
simply being in nature can lower your levels of the stress hormone
cortisol, lower your blood pressure and increase the activity of
your natural killer (NK) cells, a component of our immune system
essential in fighting cancer. As Yoshifumi Miyazaki, director of
the Center for Environmental Health and Field Sciences at Chiba
University explains, “When we are exposed to nature, our bodies
go back to how they should be.”
I tend to think of it like this: when we are in nature, we remember
who we truly are. We remember that we are not just similar to
nature, we ARE nature, and all it teaches: vitality, presence,
patience, gratitude, compassion. When we see an alpine flower
bravely thriving on the windy, chilly snow-covered mountainside, we can
remind ourselves that we have
this same tendency towards the
light, towards growth, in the face
of obstacles. In a nutshell, nature
helps us tune into something we
all need on a very basic level:
HOPE.
One of my favourite symbols for
hope in nature is that of the seed.
I love everything about seeds
– planting them with intention,
watching for the first signs of
germination, nurturing new
growth, facilitating food or flower
production, and then finally at
around this time of year, collecting
seeds.

The Last Blush of Summer: Anemone
and Columbine Seed Pods
Photo by Noella LeDrew of East Sooke

destiny of this little morsel. Just as the genetic code
for an Oak tree lies waiting within the acorn, this same
vitality exists in every variety of each seed.
Amazing isn’t it? And the same applies to each of us
as humans: Our potential awaits… we are cultivators of
our own inner landscapes. Our work is to align with the
essential potential for growth, and nurture our visions
lovingly, with all the compassion and possibility nature
teaches us.
“Whether you tend a garden or not, you are
the gardener of your own being, the seed of
your destiny.” – The Findhorn Community.
And speaking of seeds, one of my favourite things to do
this time of year is collect seeds from my garden. When
I first learned how to save seeds I had an uncanny
feeling of familiarity, like I had done this before. There
is something primordial about working with seeds,
something innate to us as humans. We have after all,
as a species, been cultivating agriculture for at least
10,000 years.

When I hold a seed in my hand
and tune into its essence – I am
struck by how much life exists in
this little nugget of potential. I feel
full of possibility, envisioning the
3

continued on page 5
September 2010

♫ A Rural Fundraiser ♫

Sooke Fall Fair 2010
by Ida McDonald and Sheila Whincup

by Kelly Nakatsuka

The 97th Sooke Fall Fair is just around the corner and promises
to be better than ever. The two-day fair will be held on Sept. 11th
and 12th at the Sooke Community Hall and at the Royal Canadian
Legion (upstairs).

The Rural Observer wouldn’t exist without the dedication
of the many people who write and otherwise help in the
production of this publication. The generous support of local
people and businesses who advertise on these pages is also
critical to our survival. And yet with production expenses that
continue to rise, that support is not always enough to pay the
bills.

The Canadian Girl Guides will be honoured as we Salute 100
Years of Girl Guiding. The first Company in Sooke was formed
in 1921, under the leadership of Miss Kathleen Wright. Be sure
to attend the Opening Ceremonies at 2 pm on Saturday at the
Community Hall where the Guides will be officially recognized.
During the fair, join their campfire sing-along and see a display of
their programs and group projects.

To help offset those costs, the Rural Observer is hosting a
fundraising concert on Sunday October 24th. Mark it on your
calendar. This will be the first of what we hope will become a
semi-regular event to support the RO, but also to gather as a
community to celebrate and enjoy an evening of great music.

The 2nd annual Great Sookeini Race also takes place Saturday
where zucchinis of all shapes and various sizes race down the
ramp. Check the catalogue for size constraints if you don’t want
your car to get bogged down in the race shoot! Kids of all ages
(the “senior racers” category is for those 18 and over, Moms
(and Dads, too) will compete for trophies and prizes in various
categories.

The line-up is still being finalized,
but headlining the bill will be the
talented young folk singer and
songwriter Aidan Knight. Aidan
is from Victoria and is truly one
of the bright young lights on the
Canadian folk and independent
music scene. He writes
thoughtful, intelligent songs that
have garnered critical acclaim
from coast to coast.

The ever popular Pet Parade will run on Sunday afternoon. vIt’s
not only for children and their pets, but also includes awards
for pets shown off by their proud and imaginative adult owners.
vPrepare for a carnival atmosphere along Eustace Road between
the Legion and Community Hall.

Aidan’s debut album Versicolour
is receiving national airplay on
CBC Radio and on local radio stations all across Canada.
He is also a finalist in the Music BC 2010 Peak Performance
Project. The contest gathers 20 of the best bands and artists
in BC in a career-development program, with the winners
garnering hundreds of thousands in career development
funds.

We’re pleased to announce that even at 97 years old, the Sooke
Fall Fair has entered the 21st century and acquired a computer
operating system. The new software will make the recording and
scoring of entries more efficient, but will also require all entrants to
make advance entries.
This means that all entry forms must be received by September
3rd. Place your completed entry forms in the entry box at
Shoppers Drug Mart, or mail to Sooke Fall Fair, P.O. Box 291,
Sooke V9Z 0S9. Entrants will pick up their entry tags, pay for
their entries and bring in the items to be entered on Friday, Sept.
10th, between 2-8pm, at the Community Hall.

This will be a wonderful evening of music with Aidan, and
more artists to be finalized in the coming weeks. There will
be great prizes, refreshments, and much more. Watch your
local listings and notice boards for additional details. For all
of you who enjoy and celebrate our rural way of life, we hope
you will come to East Sooke on Sunday evening, October
24th. Tickets are $15, and will be available soon, as well as
information on the location for the concert.

The 2010 Fair also celebrates “International Year of Biodiversity”,
so all growers are encouraged to enter their finest and most
varied fruits, vegetables and flowers. Not sure what kind of
apples you have in your garden? Bring your specimen to the fair
where a member of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association will be on
hand to help you identify your mystery apples.

For more information or to buy tickets, contact Kelly
Nakatsuka at kellynak@telus.net, or Charlotte Senay at 250
642-7282.

All the Sections in the fair (Produce, Flowers, Kitchen Craft,
Needlecraft, Hobbies, Photography, Art and Literary Art, Wine
and Beer, Poultry, Rabbits and Cavies, and Honey) offer ways to
demonstrate the importance of preserving our lands for all forms
of life on earth.

Come stroll behind the Community Hall to enjoy the awardwinning murals, which depict Sooke’s agricultural history.
And don’t forget that upstairs at the Legion is where the adult
photography, art and literary arts sections will be exhibited.
Purchase raffle tickets to help raise funds for future fairs. First
prize is a king-size quilt made by talented members of the Sooke
Quilters; second prize is a $500 gift certificate for Sooke Home
Hardware; third prize is two gift certificates worth $200 each from
Village Food Market and Western Foods.

250-642-4074

sarah@eastsookecounselling.ca

www.eastsookecounselling.ca

4

September 2010

The Seed... continued from page 3
Why is saving seeds important and beneficial to us? The
reasons are plentiful: seeds from plants grown in our own
gardens are much more likely to thrive, given their familiarity
to that particular environment. Also, in saving our own
seeds or buying open-pollinated locally-grown organic seeds
we are supporting sustainable agriculture, which means
sustainable living for us all. And it feels so good to know we
can feed ourselves – on a physical level for sure, and also
on a soul level. For me, collecting, planting and growing
seeds is soul food.
Seed-Saving in a NUTSHELL
There is an art to saving seeds, and there is definitely a
science. But it’s not rocket science. If you’ve never saved
seeds before, and want to play with it this season, there are
a few important elements to keep in mind: make sure to
select seeds from the healthiest, most robust plants in your
garden. Timing is key, and many people collect seeds too
early. Leave seeds on plants until they are ripe enough to
collect, but before critters or birds get to them before you do!
If this is your first time, you may want to start with seeds like
peas, lettuce, beans, calendula or sunflowers. Once you
have collected the seeds, make sure to dry them thoroughly
– I like drying them in paper bags in the sun or in the heat
of the greenhouse. Then label them with the variety and
the date, and store in containers in a cool, dark place at a
consistent temperature.
If you want to kick it up a notch this year, try your hand at
saving tomato seeds – the key with tomatoes is to let the
seeds and ‘juice’ of ripe tomatoes sit in a container for a few
days until a layer of mold builds up on top (to remove the
gelatinous coating which inhibits germination) before rinsing,
sieving, then drying on a plate. Of course this is just a taste
of the how-to of seed-saving. If you are inspired, there is a
wealth of information in books and now on the internet about
proper seed-saving methods, and many island seed-savers
hold workshops on the subject.
May your gardens be abundant, and may you fulfill the seeds
of your unique destiny.
Sarah Nakatsuka is a passionate seed-saver,
psychotherapist (EAST SOOKE COUNSELLING), Interfaith
Officiant, and founder of THIS VIBRANT LIFE centre for
sacred living on Vancouver Island. For more information,
please visit www.thisvibrantlife.ca

Catch all the details in the
Sooke Fall Fair Catalogue
available in most stores in the
community or check out www.
sookefallfair.ca.
Come, enter and enjoy the
Sooke Fall Fair!
Image on right was an entry in
the Great Sookeini Race

5

September 2010

Odd and Unusual Encounters
by Janet Caplan

“Oh God, oh my God,” I yelled in fright.
As the large black bird hurtled toward my kitchen window I
jumped to my feet, kicking and tripping over my dogs in the
process. Just as I was certain the bird was about to make
impact, it quickly veered back and headed for the trees on the
side of my property. I stood stock-still for a moment just trying
to catch my breath. I managed to grab my binoculars from a
shelf just as the bird swooped in a second time: thankfully not as
dangerously close. It retreated once again to the woods, but by
now I’d gotten a good look.
The bird was too big to be a crow or raven or even a gardenvariety vulture. At first I thought it might have been an eagle but
then I caught sight of its featherless red head; this was indeed a
huge turkey vulture. Oh, this was one ugly bird with its big heavy
body and its tiny, bald, red head. Such an odd combination of
parts. Nevertheless, it must be aerodynamically correct because
it glides and soars with great strength and even beauty.

Photo of Turkey Vulture by Mike Yip
Visit his website at vancouverislandbirds.com

ignoring my presence. Through my rear view mirror, I studied
the little red head sitting oddly on its unbalanced body, a body so
rotund that it actually hung over its legs and feet, making them
invisible. Not exactly a beautiful feathered
friend, I thought.

I have to admit that being buzzed by a
bird of that size was disconcerting.
Its approach to my expansive
“The rural community surrounding
kitchen window was too close for
When I got home I went through my bird
my home requires one to be
comfort. Through my binoculars
books, and quickly identified the bird I’d
I clearly saw its eyes and the
especially cautious and reasonably
spotted as a turkey vulture. There really
wrinkled red skin of its pint sized
slow;
one
never
knows
what’s
was no question; nothing else came close.
head. Even with a few decals
In addition to this morning’s ‘bird’s-eye view’,
around
the
next
bend...”
stuck to the glass, smaller birds
I’ve seen several since that first encounter.
had, on more than one occasion,
Last week while I was driving home, one
bounced off that window. The
swooped down right above my car casting a
thought of a six pound turkey vulture honing in was frightening.
wide, distracting shadow over my front window. The bird glided
I stood watching at the window for a while longer, binoculars
down onto the shoulder of the road where a feast in the form of a
in hand. My cocker spaniels, still upset from the sighting,
dead squirrel awaited. These birds generally appear through the
continued to bark and jump up in anticipation of another viewing.
summer and early fall. With so many young animals around at
But that was not to be as I had last spotted the bird disappearing
that time of year and with more people driving through the area
into the trees on my neighbour’s property. I figured that there
on holidays, road kill is abundant.
must be something dead down on his land, maybe a chicken or
a rabbit, a raccoon or possibly even a young
As it turns out turkey vultures summer here
deer, the victim of some larger prey. Score
on Vancouver Island. I live at a point on the
one for the vulture.
Island where these birds tend to gather and
surprisingly it’s not for the great and plentiful
Before moving to Vancouver Island a few
cuisine. My bird books tell me that they are not
years ago, I had never heard of the turkey
fond of flying solo over water and so when it’s
vulture. Luck or ignorance? At any rate I
time to leave this habitat, they gather together
was astonished at my first sighting. Driving
to cross the Strait of Juan de Fuca en masse.
the narrow, windy road that services the rural
It’s incredible to think that they instinctively
community surrounding my home requires
know when and where to meet up. I have
one to be especially cautious and reasonably
learned other facts about these odd creatures.
slow; one never knows what’s around the
Did you know that they vomit some of their
next bend. That’s precisely how I came upon
food so that the smell throws off their prey?
my first turkey vulture. As I followed the
Did you also know that they pee on their legs
curve around the creek that runs parallel to
because the acid kills any bacteria that may
the road, I was forced to suddenly brake as
remain from having stepped in their meal?
I came upon a very large and rather hefty,
Smart tactics.
blackish brown bird gorging itself on what
I recognized as the remains of a rabbit. I
Turkey vultures are not the only new and
edged over to the roadside to get a better
unusual encounter I’ve had here on Canada’s
look at this bird that simply didn’t budge.
western edge, just one of the oddest.
It went on eating with great gusto, totally

a well planned chain of command from the individual to the
neighbourhood to the community operations centre. Being
prepared is about being able to provide for yourself for 7 days,
but it’s also about having a structure in place to respond to
disasters when needed, both efficiently and in a timely manner.

Emergency preparedness has its own language. It’s relatively
simple and if you’ve had military time it will come as second
nature.

For more information, please contact Juan de Fuca EA
Emergency Coordinator, George OBriain at 250 642-2266, or
email jdfemerg@telus.net.

A chain of command structure is established rising from the
individual to the neighbourhood pod, the (ICP) Incident Command
Post(s) at the site(s) of disaster, and finally to the Emergency
Operations Center (EOC). The EOC structure is repeated at
the provincial and federal levels as needed. Within the EOC
there are colour coded sections, each of which has identified
responsibilities.
Orange is Operations. Operations is concerned with and
coordinates the deployment of first responders who are on the
ground directly responding to a disaster.
Blue stands for Planning. These folks focus on what could
happen next, anticipate how the present situation could unfold
and the resultant impact, both in the short and long term.
Planning monitors resources and their allocation. This is where
it’s decided that the understaffed fire department in area X needs
more help than area Y, for example.
Yellow is logistics. This is the section that ensures that the EOC
can operate. They locate required resources for the planning
section, find personnel and provide technological support,
communications, and security.
Grey stands for administration and finance. These folks
keep track of response and recovery costs, and coordinate
compensation and claims. These are the people who are still
working long after the dust has settled.
Red stands for internal functions such as liaison, risk
management and public relations. These people talk to outside
agencies and on the risk management side, worry about all the
risks that must be taken by the EOC staff.
And finally, green. The person wearing green is the person that is
in charge of the EOC, the director.
In a nut shell, that is how emergency preparedness plans
operate. Everyone speaks a common language and follows

7

September 2010

Doug Read Licensed Realtor

Earth Medicine And The Spirit Of Late
Summer by Roselyn Caiden

25 years experience~15 years *Selling* in
*East Sooke*
Put my local Knowledge &
Experience to Work for You.

The corn in my garden will soon be ready to pick, the first
blush of colour has touched the Japanese maple and arbutus
leaves crunch underfoot as I walk along the path to the sea.
The light is changing with the shorter days as late summer
calls us toward the centre, toward that place of stillness, of
fullness and the ripeningâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;toward the gathering in.

The earth element embodies the energy of late summer, giving
us the ability to nurture ourselves and others and to stop and
appreciate the fruits of our own labour. The earth calls to us
in late summer to remember the sweetness of life and how we
are nourished and supported unconditionally every day by the
land we walk on.
We are a part of the earth. Like the plants and the trees, we
carry earth energy naturally inside of us. With the fast pace of
these times, however, we may become dispirited as a result of
a disconnection from our life path and, from the earth. With a
willingness to seek reconnection to our deep inner self and our
life purpose, we offer the earth to once again find expression
through us, in the same way as it does through the abundant
ripening of the land.
To Strengthen Your Earth Connection
Sit under a favourite tree and as you lean against the rough
bark of the trunk and feel its deep-rooted connection inside
the earth, imagine that you too have your own grounding root
that connects you to the hearth at the very centre of the earth.
Your grounding root is like an anchor that will keep you steady
and centered as you remember your purpose and walk your
sacred path.
Roselyn Caiden offers acupuncture and earth medicine
shamanic healing services out of her studios in Metchosin and
Victoria. For more info: please visit www.sacredpath.ca

Metchosin Day is a fun day and free for the whole family.
Starting at 8 a.m. is the five-kilometer run/walk leaving from
the community hall and ending at the municipal grounds,
followed by the Scouts’ pancake breakfast.
The pet show is for
anyone who wants to
show off his or her pet –
from smallest to cutest
to hairiest. Bring your
pet to the village green at 11
a.m. for judging. Everyone
is a winner. At noon are
children’s games – the old
fashioned kind – threelegged race, water-balloon
toss and egg and spoon
race, fun for all kids.

More than 85 vendors will be set up on the village green. A
chance to see everything from bags to biscuits, clothing to corn,
pottery to produce, fudge to flowers, septic savvy to sheep
shearing, and more. Metchosin day has it all!
The Pioneer Museum is well worth a visit. The Old Barn
Bookstore will be open inside the building, with the overflow
books in a tent outside – a wonderful selection and many
bargains. And while you are at the Pioneer Museum right next
to it will be the Chicken Swap – located where the Farm Market
usually meets. If you are interested in learning more about
poultry or maybe buying some laying hens, here is the place to
do it.

From toddlers to adults, Metchosin Volunteer Fire Department
will stage their annual Junior Firefighter Challenge. Come and
see how you do on a fire-fighter training course! Or stop by the
Emergency Operation booth and find out how to be prepared for
an emergency.

Food is available all day. Scouts Canada will be selling hot dogs
and hamburgers. Mr. Softie has ice cream and the Lions cool
you down with snow cones. Donuts are available from the Donut
Man too. The community house offers hot buttered corn on the
cob. Local Metchosinites from Smokin’ Bones and 2% Jazz will
provide delicious treats.

Entertainment - On the stage at the pavilion, there is an excellent
lineup of entertainment starting at 11 a.m. Listen free all day to
music from country to jazz to the blues. Sip on a glass of wine as
well as beer or cider while tapping your toes in the beer garden
next to the stage. And while you are relaxing take time to win at
Chicken Bingo – a chance to help raise money for Scouts.

The Mayor and councilors will honour the citizen of the year, the
volunteer and volunteer group of the year and the friend of the
earth award. Come and show your appreciation for these people
who have done so much for Metchosin.
The best part of Metchosin Day has to be the lamb and salmon
BBQ. For only $15 you get a delicious tasting, mouth-watering
meal. The wood fire is lit at 5 a.m. to have the lamb cooked just
right by the end of the day and salmon is grilled to perfection
nearby. It is the best meal deal in town.
Not only is Metchosin Day free, so is the parking. There is space
for hundreds of cars right next to the village green. Enter off
Happy Valley Road.

John Horgan

And last but not least,
VOLUNTEERS. Metchosin Day
works because of the volunteers. If
you would like to help out for one or
two hours or more, please give Mary
Gidney a call at 250-474-6145, or
email at mgidney@shaw.ca

Protecting Sheringham Point Lighthouse
by Sheringham Point Lighthouse Protection Society

The Federal Government, earlier this year, declared the Sheringham
Point Lighthouse property and light station as surplus. After years
of waiting, the decision now requires that the government dispose of the property,
which will be offered to Federal agencies, the Province and local government first.
The process also includes a special consultation with First Nations before disposal
of the property may occur.
While the decision was long awaited, it is a double edged sword -- the land and
light station could also be sold to the highest bidder including private individuals or
developers.
Since 2003, Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society volunteers have
worked to ensure the land, access and light station are preserved and safeguarded
-- and to keep it all in public hands as a passive, protected park.
Just in the last couple of years, support from the public and volunteer efforts:
-
-
-
-
-

helped build an oral history project to collect significant information and stories
about the light station, its keepers and their memories,
enabled the Society to work with the Regional Director and CRD staff to garner
the support of the CRD Board in efforts to acquire the land;
ensured the Society would be able, under agreement, to help protect the
property just outside the lighthouse land and make certain the Lighthouse View
Trail was built and maintained for public use;
allowed the Society, through an agreement with the local Parks Commission,
to manage and maintain the 3-4 kilometer trail through private land adjacent to
the lighthouse property; and
made certain that the Society continued its conservation work with Federal,
Provincial, First Nations and local government with the goal of acquiring the
light station and surrounding property for use as a passive park.

The Society continues to monitor the land disposal process, meet with officials from
all levels of government and maintain and enforce
agreements, all while working toward the goals and
mission outlined by its membership.
For more information please check our website:
www.sheringhamlighthouse.org

♫ Musical Fundraiser ♫
in support of the Rural Observer

Sunday October 24th
in East Sooke

For more information or to buy tickets, contact
Kelly Nakatsuka at kellynak@telus.net, or
Charlotte Senay at 250 642-7282. *SEE
ARTICLE ON PAGE 4*
11

September 2010

Clayton Fischer on
Sustainable Energy
and More

hydro access is more remote.
These installations can be
quite complex and generally
involve panels, inverters and
generators. One such system,
a hybrid of sorts, can be found
at Horne Lake and involves
solar panels, generators, battery
back-up and micro-hydro
energy. The T’Sou-ke Nation
at Saseenos has one of the
largest solar installation systems
in western Canada. It, too, is a
hybrid set-up with grid tie-in and
off grid devices and utilizes solar
panels, a solar thermal system
plus battery back-up. Energy
consumption dropped by 30%
within the first six months after
installation of the photovoltaic
panel system, just one year ago.

by Janet Caplan

Ask Clayton Fischer, electrician
and owner of Otter Point
Electric, about what type of
work he does, and he’ll talk
to you about residential and
commercial installations, new
build construction, generators and
more. Ask him about solar electric
energy and he’ll talk to you
about one of his great passions.
The ability to design and install
sustainable electrical systems
was paramount in his motivation
to become an electrical contractor,
just a couple of years ago.

In deciding to implement solar electricity, one of the most
important considerations is site suitability. A shade analysis
should be done to determine if a system would even be viable.
This analysis calculates the amount of solar radiance on the
property. Proper design of a system for the specific site is critical.
Currently solar electrical systems work well for lighter loads such
as pumping water, lighting and refrigeration. The efficiency of
the panels is increasing and the cost decreasing and according
to Clay, a bit of procrastinating at this point is not a bad thing; it’s
getting better and cheaper all the time. Right now, solar thermal
hot water systems are an important, efficient alternative energy
consideration and one that is supported by grants and initiatives
on the part of the BC government and SolarBC (see livesmartbc.
ca and solarbc.ca).

Although the bulk of Clay’s work is more standardized, he has
done some solar installations and worked with a couple of
Victoria electricians on others. The demand is not great as yet
due mainly to the expense of the systems themselves and the
inexpensive electricity provided by BC Hydro; we enjoy one of the
lowest rates in North America. As a result Clay feels that British
Columbia may be one of the last provinces to jump on board with
solar electricity. But it will improve.
Clay does believe that over the next several years we will see a
shift: energy rates are rising, the cost of solar panels and related
equipment is decreasing and at a certain point the dollars will
meet and we will attain grid parity. It will make economic sense
to look at alternatives, solar being primary. He points out that
solar panels are now warrantied for 25 years; no other electronic
device comes close to such a warranty and some financial
institutions are now willing to finance them. Although BC does
not offer much in the way of incentives or grants towards the cost
of the installation of solar electric systems, other provinces do.
Ontario in particular has various programs and initiatives in place
and is setting a precedent in the country.

While Clay is passionate
about solar and all forms
of sustainable energy,
he is pleased to serve
customers with all types
of electrical installations
and can be reached at
Otter Point Electric,
250-588-4324.

According to Clay, most of the solar electric installations that
exist in our province are grid independent and are found where

Dr. Keith Martin

WANTED: A
contact in
OTTER POINT
to create a
calendar of
events for
your area.
Call 646-2528

A NEW TRAIL FOR OTTER POINT
by Rosemary Jorna, Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society

William Simmons Memorial Park will open this fall and with it
Otter Point will have another 3.5 kilometer walk on public trails.
To explore this trail, take Otter Point Road to the Sooke Business
Park. Turn in at their sign to find the parking lot which, when
completed, will accommodate horse trailers. Until the parking lot
is complete park in the gravel at the side of the road. Back track
to Otter Point Road, turn left and walk back 70 meters until you
see the gravel path on the other (North) side of Otter Point Rd.
(by the time of publication the connection to the trail through The
Woods may be off the road, clear and complete).
In September, the gravel path around The Woods takes you
through flowering hard hack, asters, thistles, hedge nettles,
foxgloves and ocean spray with a few escaped day lilies adding
to the colour. Dragonflies dart overhead. There are good views
of Trap and Bluff Mountains to the north and Sacred Mountain
(Broom Hill) to the south. The Woods property was clear cut in
the late 1990s, so the forest cover is new, with the usual mixed
species of alder, fir, hemlock and cedar emerging. New homes
are under construction.

Returning along the Panama Rail Trail turn left at the junction and
proceed about 400 meters back to the parking lot.
This is a shared trail for walkers, cyclists and equestrians. It is an
easy walk with good footing and gentle changes in elevation.

The path is nearly complete although there are some segments
that require further work. About 300 meters from Otter Point
Road the gravel stops. It could be muddy for the next 200
meters, cobble stones continue to the first road but after crossing
it the gravel path continues up a gentle slope until it meets the
second . Turn left and follow the paved road to the intersection at
Young Lake Road. vTurn right and walk down the forested road
back to Otter Point Road. Watch carefully and cross Otter Point
Road back into William Simmons Memorial Park.
At this point you will be following the Panama Rail Trail; the old
rail bed of logging rail road which operated up to the 1930s. You
might see old railway spikes which are still turning up along the
trail. The woods in the park and along Young Lake Road are
second growth which I would guess are about 80 years old. The
open meadow to your right is the Equestrian Rest Area with
its hitching posts mounting blocks and manure bins. The trail
continues left to a sign posted junction. At the sign post follow
the trail to the left to the community area featuring a view point
over Poirier Lake and a memorial bench commemorating William
Simmons after whom the park was named. Past the view point
is a picnic area complete with shelter and tables. There is also
an ornamental pond and orchard which are being restored.

13

September 2010

The Gift: Too Little, Too Late

for so long. Optimistically, even with the
challenges, I still believed love, discipline and
the routine of family could heal.

The Mister knew nothing about my desire for
a new family member. Truth is I didn’t know it
myself. An email Arrived with the Subject, “ This
is interesting.” My pulse quickened. I just had to
meet him. Eighteen months old, difficult to place,
been on the inside for 3 months, discarded by his
family. Hook, line and sinker, I was caught.

He had once been a companion dog.
Dayton, as he was called, had been
displaced when his owner lost her
courageous battle with cancer. Sorrow and
confusion deepened.

by Bonnie Coulter

I took him home. When my efforts to sneak
him into the house failed, I sheepishly tried
to explain to my husband what the large
black German Sheppard was doing in the
back seat of my vehicle. I was irrational
and desperate to win this one. Mister was
truly not impressed. “Live here? In the
house? For how long? ” Hates loud noises confirmed. Although
apprehensive, the dog perked up when he met my grandsons.
Currency found. New home, new start, new name. Jackson it
was. He learned it as fast as a dump bear knows the time and
sound of the next delivery.

It was NOT love at first sight. He wouldn’t look at
me. This was going to be challenging. I slowly
took in what the attendant was saying: hates
baths, afraid of feet, afraid of the dark, afraid of
loud noises, won’t eat if stressed, don’t even try
to cut his nails, poor eyesight, questionable hearing, insecure,
limited exposure. Yikes!
I saw a despondent, depressed dog, no longer connected.
Painful to see. I felt something close to shame for looking at him

“Hates water” confirmed - swimming companion firmly ruled out.
Jackson did, however, loving boating as long as he could get into
the craft without getting feet wet or chipping a nail.
We returned from a fishing trip one day to find Jackson lying
on his back on the couch, paws outstretched. Like an insolent
teenager he opened one eye and slid off. The house was in
perfect condition, no wild wrecking party.
But when I went to serve dessert to our guests that evening,
there it was. The inconsiderate indiscretion realized. Jackson
had eaten all 12 apple turnovers. Not a crumb or smudge as
evidence. Licorice Allsorts would have to stand in as dessert.
Looks and words cast disdain upon black dog.
By September the adoption was finalized. Jackson loved
his furnishings, and the Mister accepted that he was here to
stay. I imagined the dog grateful. We treat him like a real
dog. Expectations are: do your job, don’t bite, don’t bark at the
neighbours, do bark at salesmen, and above all, STAY OUT OF
THE GARDEN!
Christmas is coming. I notice Jackson has started inspecting
every parcel as if interviewing for a job at the airport. I was mildly
amused as I wrapped gifts. He watched silently.
continued on page 17

14

September 2010

Know Thyself, Know Thy Septic: Local

Islander Falls Waist Deep into Wastewater!
by CRD Staff

Being a CRD Septic Savvy Workshop Facilitator, I think about
septic systems quite a bit; and in this line of work I hear it all. At
a recent workshop, a local resident told us how she found out
(the hard way) that a neglected system can bring some messy
surprises. While turning over the compost in her back yard, she
took a fateful miss-step and the ground collapsed below her. “So
that’s where my septic tank is!” she thought as she sank waist
deep into human waste. Tearing off her clothes and running to
the shower, she vowed to locate the rest of her septic system and
mark it well.

means you can protect them from damage. The drain field is the
second essential part of your septic system. Here, the majority
of sewage treatment takes place. Microorganisms in the soil
‘digest’ dangerous pathogens, but these micro-organisms need
oxygen and good drainage to stay healthy. If an RV or boat is
parked on the drain field, the soil compacts, microorganisms are
compromised and the pipes may be crushed. Know where your
drain field is, plant only grass on it and don’t park on it or use it to
store lumber, firewood or anything else.

Sludgy as it sounds, a septic system can be your best friend,
providing safe, dependable wastewater treatment in an
environmentally friendly manner and returning clean water to the
water table.
Find your Septic Tank!
It’s crucial to know where your septic tank is located, partly so
you can avoid falling into it, but also so you can take good care of
it. Some older tanks were made of wood, which eventually rots,
or metal, which rusts. Most newer tanks are made of concrete or
plastic-you’re unlikely to fall into a newer tank. Knowing where
your tank is, however, will prevent having to dig up your yard in
order to find and have it pumped out. All septic tanks need to be
pumped out eventually, usually every 2 to 5 years, because solids
do build up in the tank. Additives do not help, and can actually
harm your system; additives are banned in some regions.

Our two hour workshops “How to Care for Your Septic System”
are free. You’ll also find a wealth of information, including video
clips, household information kits and much more at http://www.
crd.bc.ca/wastewater/septic/index.htm
To attend a workshop and learn how to protect human health, the
environment and how to save money contact the CRD Hotline at
250-360-3030 or hotline@crd.bc.ca

J ua n de Fu ca El ec to ral Ar e a
Parks and Recreation Commission
The Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday
of every month at 5:00 PM,
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Office,
#2 – 6868 West Coast Road
Public W elcome to Attend
For more information, visit
http://www.crd.bc.ca/jdf/parks
For meeting confirmation or enquiries,
please call 250-642-1500

15

September 2010

From the desk of John Horgan, MLA Juan de Fuca
One of the highlights of my job as your MLA
is the opportunity to stay connected to the
families moving through School District
62. Whether you’re a parent or not, it’s the
time of year when our kids are put at the
forefront, from watching your speed through
school zones, stocking the shelves with
school supplies or just focusing on getting
your kids back into a regular school routine.

Despite government assurances that the problem is solved,
class size and class composition challenges continue to stretch
teachers, administrators and kids.
Those of you with children in the system know our District’s
schools are short on space. The start of full day kindergarten at
12 of our local schools has made the space crunch even more
apparent. Our schools just don’t have the room to accommodate
600 more students into classrooms that were already over
flowing. School District 62 is one of a handful of districts in
Everyone agrees that we need our education system to be
the province bucking the trend of declining enrolment, yet the
flexible to respond to changing technology and transformative
Minister of Education failed to recognize this fact and initially
economic change. We need to ask if we’re providing our
offered little additional funding to help our schools cope with
kids with the tools they will need to succeed and help our
increased enrolment.
communities prosper. Today’s children quickly become
tomorrow’s young adults and if we want a future as bright as our
I support full-day kindergarten, but I think it was wrong for
past, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure they have the best
government to force Districts to provide a new program without
educational opportunities a modern society can provide. They
putting in place the resources to make it happen. In June, after
are the ones that will be making decisions about our future. They
months of lobbying by trustees, parents, teachers and local
will try and put right the problems past generations have left
MLAs, the government acknowledged they were failing to invest
unresolved. Knowing this makes it even more important that we
enough in all-day kindergarten and came forward with $144
give priority to building a strong public education system.
million province-wide for school infrastructure. In our District that
translates into building additions or modular classrooms at 10
Without question, our public education system is one of the best
schools and this is welcome news. News on replacing Belmont
in the world. We have dedicated teachers and administrators,
High School was not as positive.
committed support staff and parents who take on many roles
including volunteer, advocate, fundraiser and chauffer! But, there
It’s not just our elementary, middle and high schools that need
are cracks in the system, and each September, due to a lack of
attention. The same can be said for our colleges, universities
provincial resources and support, the cracks are becoming wider.
and technical schools.
When thinking about career options, many
high school graduates see the value of a
post secondary education. While some
choose to study close to home at either
UVic, Camosun or Royal Roads, others
decide to venture to the lower mainland
or go further afield. High tuition fees and
the lowest minimum wage in Canada
($8 an hour) mean many have no choice
Pharmacy service the way it is meant to be…..over 20 years of
but to fund their education using student
service in the communities of Sooke, East Sooke, Otter Point,
loans. In fact, BC graduates now have the
second-highest student debt load in the
Jordan River, Shirley, and Port Renfrew, ( and even for our
country.
customers who have moved to Victoria and still use our service ).
Pharmacy practice to benefit the needs of OUR community and
I support re-introducing a needs-based
student grant system and cutting the
more importantly….. with PEOPLE in mind.
interest rates on student loans as two ways
Talk to our pharmacy staff about how we can confidentially
to help make a post-secondary option
more affordable. Rather than saddling
transfer your prescriptions to our location.
young people with enormous debt when
they’re just starting out – let’s give them
some support when they need it most.
Helping people live better lives
I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts
on any of these issues – problems you are
facing or solutions you’d like to propose.
My Langford Community Office is open
to help with any provincial government
issues. Drop by, call or email anytime.
Ron Kumar
Pharmacist/Owner
John Horgan, MLA Juan de Fuca
250 391 2801
john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca

Have your child
decorate a piece of paper that will fit on the top
of the CD cut the center out and glue it on with a
glue stick.
Hot glue the marble to the bottom, it should rest in
the hole but not go through. Next hot glue the cap
to the top.

The Gift... continued from page 14:
Christmas morning started with Jackson pacing the kitchen,
nails clicking loudly. Two vets and three groomers later,
“don’t even think about cutting his nails” is solidly confirmed.
The Mister and I exchange gifts. Jackson watches. He
pulls on discarded paper and sighs. When we are done
Jackson drops to his bed. I swear he acts like a surely teen
some days. I get busy setting out the Christmas goodies,
out of reach of the long nosed, now referred to as, German
Shedder. His eyes tracking me, casting aspersions. I rebuff
with accusations of thievery and verbally remind him of the
missing chocolate truffles from Christmas Eve.
The grandsons arrive and skip past Jackson ignoring
the usual inspection for crumbs. I am startled by my
daughters loud exclamation, “ Mom, what is this about?”
She is pointing at my gifts neatly stacked a few feet from
the Mister’s. And there it is, Jackson’s gift to us neatly
coiled between the two stacks. Horror erupts into gales of
laughter from all of us. We speculate. Was he expecting
a parcel? I have never, ever purchased a gift for a dog,
but Jackson’s accusation stood. “What kind of people are
you?” I tried to feel guilty but it didn’t fit.
Boxing Day I bought a toy as the Mister insisted, “real dogs
don’t have toys.” I wrapped the furry thing complete with
squeaker in the best piece of recycled paper, bow attached.
When family was gathered again to tackle left over turkey
and brussell sprouts, the gift was presented. Jackson
took it, rejected it and returned to his bed. His expression
intended to verify yesterday’s injustice. Clearly voiced “too
little, too late.” He turned his back to us. My grandsons put
the stuffy in their backpack, claiming the prize for their dog.

Seashell Bubbles

Materials:
Shells collected from the beach,
A glass,
White vinegar.
Pour a couple of ounces of vinegar into the glass
and add the seashells. If there is limestone in the
shells you will have a bubble reaction.

Sand Clay
Mix 3 cups of sand with ½ cup white glue. Add
water as needed to make it shapeable. Use
different size containers to make small castles,
decorate with small shells and premade flags. Airdry to harden.

Pinwheels
Using a square
piece of card paper
decorate both sides.
Cut from the corners
towards the center,
going only about half
way. Without folding the paper, bend every other
corner towards the center and glue in place. Pin
the pinwheel with a pushpin to a stick or dowel
loosely enough that the wheel will spin easily.

After much laughter, dishes done, kids ready for bed, kisses
generously dispensed. Almost out the door, my daughter
asked, “Where is Jackson? He always says good-bye.”
We look over and there he is curled up with the blue stuffy
between his paws, the very ones with extraordinarily long
nails. It finally hits me. He’s home. The last proof he
required to know he belonged.

17

September 2010

From Juan de Fuca Regional Director Mike Hicks
For me, property taxes are at the
top of the issue list as they have
one of the greatest impacts on
our lives. This year, I finally had
time to perform a quick analysis
on how we fare in the Juan
de Fuca in comparison to our
neighbouring communities.

the line on their budgets. There is not much we can
do about the other factors, but we were fortunate that
generally land assessments did not raise substantially and
our taxes were generally stable.
The numbers below show the taxes per $100,000 value
of your property assessment. If you own a million dollar
home in Port Renfrew, your taxes would be 10 times $550
or $5,550. This does not include garbage, sewer, or water.

Property taxes are based on a
the appraised (market) value of
your property multiplied by a mill rate (tax rate) established
by the local government (JDF Electoral Area), hospital,
and school district. Many entities make up the JDF rate
including library, recreation facilities, our government
(planning, building inspectors, administration) and our
contribution to CRD programs such as Regional Parks,
and the Hartland Land Fill.

One will read that Sooke or Victoria is looking at a 4 or
5.5% tax increase. This means that their portion of the
total tax requisition will increase 4% from the previous
year. If your property assessment raises by 10%, you
are looking at a crippling tax increase. I am pleased to
report that the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area’s mill rate
was negative one half of one percent this past year. We
required less funds from our taxpayers to administer
our programs than the year before. This was a great
accomplishment and full credit must go to our fire
departments, staff and volunteer commissions that held

Municipalities and Electoral Areas such as ours, raise
the funds necessary from commercial, industrial and
residential property taxes. Some municipalities such as
North Saanich, Sidney and View Royal are fortunate to
have airports, the ferry terminal and hospitals and some
such as Langford have a huge commercial base. Some
communities such as Metchosin and Oak Bay have
extremely high valued real estate resulting in a strong
source of taxes and a lower cost per $1,000. Some
communities such as Port Alberni have lost some of their
industrial tax base, have a lower residential average value
and a resulting huge residential tax rate.

I certainly don’t pretend to be an economist, but I think we
are doing pretty well in the JDF considering we have little
or no commercial taxes and middle of the road average
property values. We are at the low end of the tax scale
and we are not anticipating huge expenditures such as
Victoria’s blue bridge or monstrous sewer system.
I write this little piece in a fashion, I hope, understandable
to all. We still have many constituents feeling the pain and
unemployment from our recession and we will continue to
try and keep tax increases to a minimum.

For more information or to buy tickets, contact Kelly Nakatsuka at
kellynak@telus.net , or Charlotte Senay at 250 642-7282.

Dedicated to Preserving and Protecting since 2004
Join the fight to protect the Sheringham Point Lighthouse,
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Your membership and contribution now will help ensure this piece of British Columbia history is saved.
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